The Library Cranks Up The Tunage Live Bands on the Patio Friday and Saturday By Jeff Eason Come for the leaves, stay for the rock and roll. That could be the motto for the High Country this weekend as visitors from all over the Southeast ascend the Blue Ridge Mountains during the first weekend of leaf season. After the sun sets, however, don’t forget that our area has plenty of other things to offer. Like live music, for instance! The Library in Boone will welcome out-of-town electric rock bands Simplified and Suckerpunch on Friday and Saturday, respectively, October 14th and 15th. Both shows start around 10 p.m. on the patio of the Library on Hwy 321. Simplified Simplified Haling from the Charlotte area, the band Simplified is one that is steeped in dichotomy. The name implies a low-tech, low-key approach to music but their sound is a full-fledged sonic assault of pop and rock with a distinctive southern flare. The band features Clee Laster on vocals and guitar, Chris Sheridan on electric and acoustic guitars, Chris Lynch on bass, and Tim Lail on percussion. Heavy on danceable rhythms, the music of Simplified is a mélange of rock, beach, roots and world music styles. One reviewer wrote, “Every song weaves memorable vocal hooks with bold musicianship, creating a radio-friendly experience that will have you humming their tunes long after the last note fades.” In 2004, the band released its debut album, a collection of live tracks recorded at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte. They quickly followed up that effort with a 6-song studio EP highlighting the band’s emerging songwriting skills called ACT 1. One song from the album, “Butterflies,” was chosen for inclusion on the soundtrack for the feature film The Rest of Your Life. In 2005, the band launched its own label called Hippizaz Records and is in the process of recording its first full-length album. They have also filmed a recent performance at a packed house at the Visualite Theatre in Charlotte that will be released on DVD. Guitarist Danny Martelino of Suckerpunch Suckerpunch Formed in 1999, Suckerpunch can be considered a supergroup of veterans from the legendary music scene of Washington, DC. The band features Danny Martelino on guitar and vocals, Nicke Kelly on bass and vocals, Steve Kulley on drums, guitars and vocals, and Mike Blevins on guitar and vocals. The band members have their roots in such DC-based bands as Marshall Law, Soul Shaker and Just Wanna Play. The band plays a wide range of styles including rock and roll, alternative rock, rhythm and blues, and classic soul. The band appeals to listeners who want to have a good time enjoying high-octane entertainment. It played its first gig with its current musical lineup last August. For more information on these shows, call the Library in Boone at (828) 262-5772.